One of your most notable roles was of Mikey in the 2019 film, “Quiet Murders.” What led you to this role?
This is definitely a case of “who knows you”. I was suggested to the director by another actor whom I’d worked with before. I had met him on a prior set and when they needed someone to play the “Mikey” role he suggested me. I was excited to work with this director and jumped at the chance as he’s a very known and prolific director in the Bay Area. Making this movie was a blast and I even used a clip from it in my reel.
What genres interest you?
I’m drawn to dramatic acting, for me it’s about making the audience connect on an emotional level. That moment when people say “I’ve moved them” or “That character bothered me” is what I’m hoping for. That being said I certainly don’t mind comedic roles and in fact I’m part of a comedy troupe called “The Set”. All of my stage experience is comedic. Most of the people who meet me say I should do comedies.
Tell us about The First Rule. What intrigued you the most about this role?
I really felt I was right for this role. I loved the story and wanted to do it so I submitted. I got a call back and the director liked me so much he changed the character to fit me. The character originally was Russian and a Russian accent was mandatory but when I told him I really couldn’t properly do a Russian accent that part was dropped! I was really shocked and humbled.
Why has the film resonated with audiences?
It’s the writing. It’s so smart. For being a short film it’s loaded with twists and turns. The story just drew me in and I had to be part of it, the audience can feel that.
Share your proudest on-screen moment.
My proudest on-screen moment came during the filming of “Plasticity”. A short film for the festival circuit. I improvised a line about pizza and it stayed in the film. I am really proud of it because it just naturally flowed and it made the final cut, plus I got to talk about pizza on film! Pizza and film are my passion!
You have spent your career working with powerhouse companies such as Marvel, Every Man Jack, Phillips, Ford, and others. Share your favorite projects.
I have been very lucky to work for such big names and brands. My career started with Men’s Wearhouse and I owe a lot to them. Every Man Jack was easily one of my favorites because it’s a product I already used so I felt really privileged to get to promote it. I was lucky to get to a series of online ads for 1-800Flowers. That was really special because when I was discovered I was working for a subsidiary of 1-800Flowers that sold chocolates. My career had come full circle from being a full time employee to being hired to promote them! Truly magical.
As a world-renowned runway model, what do you look for in a project?
These days in order to fully pursue acting I don’t find myself modeling as much, much to the chagrin of the designers. I’ve actually stepped off the runway with rare exception now. When I model, I like the fun of modeling and meeting other models so I often look at who the other models are, the venue and if I’ve played it before and if I personally like the clothing. The bigger and more different the show the better! I do love to shoot for print and that will often hook me.
Who would you like to work with as we approach the Fall?
I always say I’d love to work with Eli Roth, brilliant horror director. I love his passion and his fandom. A true talent and I’m a huge fan of his work. Shawnee Smith would be another one. I’ve always liked her work and would be blown away to be on set with her. I truly love making movies and I love working with passionate talent and directors.
What is next for you?
Now that I’ve settled into LA life, I’m training intensely and gearing up for some big things. I’ve been very lucky to have already been on major projects which I continue to work on. I have a few movies coming out at the end of year and some more coming out at the beginning of the next year. A few things I can mention are my film The First Rule will be coming out soon, look for me in a commercial for Cisco and watch for me on Lifetime!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10535900/
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